tDCS for PTSD: Can Brain Stimulation Alleviate Trauma Symptoms?

Author Names:

Mohammad Javad Ahmadizadeh, Mehdi Rezaei, Paul B. Fitzgerald

Published Date: September 24, 2019

Source: Brain Research Bulletin

Abstract:

This study explores the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its sub-symptoms. A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial with 40 participants compared the effects of 10 sessions of tDCS (2 mA) on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) against a sham stimulation.

Results showed significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, hyper-arousal, and negative alterations in cognition and mood for the active stimulation group compared to the sham group.

Key Concepts:

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
tDCS (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation): A non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses a low electric current to modulate neuronal activity.
DLPFC (Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex): A region of the brain involved in executive functions, such as working memory and emotional regulation.

Procedure Highlight - Research Methodology:

Participants: 40 right-handed individuals (26 females, 14 males) with PTSD, recruited from outpatient clinics at the Atieh Clinical Neuroscience Center in Tehran, Iran.
Study Design: Double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized, parallel-group study.
tDCS Sessions: 10 sessions of 2 mA tDCS applied to the right (cathode) and left (anode) DLPFC.
Data Collection: Participants were tested at three points: pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 30 days after the final treatment session.
Analysis: Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, comparing the active tDCS group to the sham group through multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) and mixed model analysis.

Results - Findings of Research:

Symptom Reduction: Significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, hyper-arousal, and negative alterations in cognition and mood in the active tDCS group compared to the sham group at post-treatment and follow-up.
Re-experiencing Symptoms: Greater reductions in re-experiencing sub-symptoms from baseline to post-test in the active group; however, follow-up differences were not significant.
Avoidance Symptoms: No significant differences between the active and sham groups for avoidance sub-symptoms at post-test and follow-up.

Discussion and Conclusion:

The study supports the efficacy of 10 sessions of bilateral DLPFC tDCS delivered at 2 mA for the treatment of PTSD symptoms. Active tDCS showed greater improvements in PTSD severity, hyper-arousal, negative alterations in cognition and mood, as well as depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to sham tDCS.

However, there were no significant differences in avoidance sub-symptoms. These findings suggest that tDCS can be an effective alternative treatment for PTSD, though further research is needed to explore its impact on different PTSD subtypes.

Link to Original Paper: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial

Author Information:

Mohammad Javad Ahmadizadeh, Behavioral Science Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
Mehdi Rezaei, Behavioral Science Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
Paul B. Fitzgerald, Epworth Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, The Epworth Clinic, Camberwell, Victoria, Australia, 3124, and Monash University Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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